As Darth Vader is redeemed, and speaking his last few words to Luke Skywalker, John Williams does a fantastic job of capturing the emotions in this Star Wars scene.
Star Wars movies have so many areas that make the franchise fantastic. One of those key areas is the music played throughout the films composed by John Williams.
Whether it’s the “Binary Sunset,” “Princess Leia’s Theme,” or “Duel of the Fates,” the music played throughout Star Wars is masterful.
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One area where we see the true brilliance of John Williams is during the death and redemption of Darth Vader in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.
After saving his son from the Emperor, Darth Vader is helped by Luke Skywalker, as his son attempts to bring him to safety. During this scene, we are distracted because we finally get to see what the man under the Darth Vader suit actually looks like, as the now redeemed Anakin Skywalker wants to look at his son with his own eyes.
As Luke finally takes off his father’s mask, we see the burnt face of Anakin Skywalker for the first time.
This is one of, if not the most, powerful scene in the history of Star Wars. What also needs to be acknowledged is the true brilliance done by John Williams and all others involved with the music aspect of Star Wars here to capture this fantastic moment.
With Anakin grasping for air and looking at Luke, we hear “the Imperial March” theme, which is played throughout the films when Darth Vader comes on the screen. It’s a dark and fierce theme, and it essentially tells the story in music of the fear that Vader is able to instill.
But, in this scene, as Vader has finally turned good, we hear various “Imperial March” themes throughout. But, these themes are unique because they have a brightness and beauty to them.
The various bright themes being played here shows Darth Vader has been redeemed, and he is no longer a villain. Anakin Skywalker has returned. John Williams does a fantastic job in this powerful scene by displaying what is going on through music.
The music is such an important factor, and this is just one of the many examples of the brilliance that John Williams showcases throughout the films.
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite theme.